Holy Redeemer School Building A Strong Resource Program
With the generosity and support of local groups, Evansville’s Holy Redeemer School is laying the foundation for a strong resource program. Resource teacher and guidance counselor Christan Shockley brings 15 years’ experience in private and public schools to Holy Redeemer.“Identifying student needs, and finding the resources and accommodations that best serve those needs, are the keys to serving the various learning styles of students,” Shockley said. “Finding academic programs that use a multisensory approach and creating a classroom environment that accommodates students with various sensory processing disorders are very important.”
With the generous support of Marian Educational Outreach and the Mother Bear Foundation, Holy Redeemer is well on its way to building a strong foundation for all learners. MEO has provided funding for two laptops and the Dragon Naturally Speaking Software Program. Dragon Speaking allows students with writing disabilities to use advanced technology to complete homework and papers with the same level of expertise as their peers.
Students with dyslexia or processing disorders can now use voice-recognition technology to express their thoughts and creative ideas without being encumbered by the sometimes-complex writing process. Dragon Speaks is designed specifically for students who struggle with written language and takes the disability out of the writing process.
Through the generosity of the Mother Bear Foundation, the Holy Redeemer Resource Program has purchased alternate table arrangements and seating that allows for vestibular movement and standing if desired.
“Teachers who have been in the field of education for several years will tell you that the needs of the general student population are changing,” Shockley said. “Rows of chairs and desks can be difficult for students who need movement or a quiet corner to work. Learning stools or student rockers allow students some vestibular movement and help calm students with sensory overload.”
The Mother Bear Foundation also provided funding for three Chromebooks, which allows middle school students to check grades and complete assigned classroom projects in the resource room.
“The third component to a strong resource program is a multisensory reading program, added Shockley. “Holy Redeemer School is implementing the Wilson Reading System, which has more than 20 years of research supporting students with dyslexia. The Wilson Reading System provides learners with a structured approach to learning the complex system of the English Language.”
The system uses finger tapping with phonetic sound patterns, magnetic boards for word building and scooping to build reading fluency. Upon completing the 13-month training program, Shockley has seen tremendous student growth using the various components of this system.
Research indicates that perhaps one in five students has some degree of dyslexia; their brain accesses different neural pathways to process language. The Wilson system presents language in a way that makes sense to students who need a different approach to learning.
Shockley said, “I am excited about the strong foundation being built at Holy Redeemer School! Teachers, administration and parents have committed 100 percent to finding solutions to meet the needs of all students. Without the support of Mother Bear and MEO, it would be difficult to implement strategies and programs that reach all learners. I am thrilled with the community support provided to Holy Redeemer and look forward to future collaborations!”
